Defensively, the defeat at Chelsea was just about as bad as Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United have been.
United conceded four goals without reply at Stamford Bridge, each owed to lapses in concentration from Mourinho’s players.
United also lost Eric Bailly to injury – arguably their best performer at the back this season.
The Ivorian, who arrived at the club from Villareal in the summer, was replaced early in the second half by Marcos Rojo after he went down holding his knee.
Speaking in the post-match press conference, Mourinho confirmed that the injury appeared to be to his ligaments, adding that he feared it was “really bad”.
Precisely how serious the injury is remains unclear, and is unlikely to be known until the player is throughly examined by the club’s medical staff in the coming days.
United now face Manchester City at Old Trafford on Wednesday night in the League Cup. They return to league action against Burnley next Saturday before a European trip to Fenerbahce the following Thursday.
United will hope that Bailly has avoided tearing any of his ligaments, but could still be missing for all of these games even if it’s just a strain.
All in all, a thoroughly miserable day for all those that hold the club dear.
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